5. Tigers. Owner Mike Ilitch has succeeded by gathering Boras' clients at high prices, in some cases over GM Dave Dombrowski's objections (i.e. Magglio Ordoñez, Ivan Rodriguez, Rogers), and they're obviously pretty darned good, as A-Rod may have noticed. It's probably a long shot, but here's another plus: He wouldn't have to face Justin Verlander and Joel Zumaya anymore.

6. Astros. They've been trying hard for Miguel Tejada and Alfonso Soriano and potentially have about $30 million coming off the books. But it's hard to picture A-Rod back in Texas, isn't it?

7. Braves. The cost-conscious team would have to trade off several pieces (maybe Andruw Jones to start) to even think about it. But they're almost always a playoff team, and Rodriguez might have gone there last time except they wouldn't give him a no-trade clause. Proximity to Miami is a plus.

8. Mariners. Perhaps Boras could arrange a trade of high-priced third basemen. The Mariners seemed willing to part with Adrian Beltre before he got hot toward the end of the year. A-Rod beat it out of Seattle fast, but their ownership is quite a bit more generous these day. Still, probably a pipe dream.

9. White Sox. This one has been advanced on TV, but the reality is that Rodriguez and manager Ozzie Guillen like each other even less than Rodriguez and Torre do. Don't forget, Guillen ripped A-Rod for playing for Team USA, and their subsequent public niceties were just fakery. GM Ken Williams is very creative, and if they can't lock up Joe Crede, perhaps they could trade him in a package for A-Rod. Still, a major long shot.

10. Marlins. This fairy-tale scenario is mentioned because of A-Rod's roots and home. But Florida can barely afford Dontrelle Willis. No joke, A-Rod made about $10 million more than the entire Marlins team. Really, no chance of this happening.

Torre's story

	Those were the days: Joe Torre and the Yankees celebrate the 2000 World Series championship. AP
	MAILBAG Got a question or comment for Jon? Your name: Your e-mail address: Your home town: Enter your question:

One of the complaints about A-Rod is that he doesn't face it when he's struggling and that he'll do some "whistling through the graveyard." Well, if that's so, he has company -- Torre didn't own up to one mistake he made this year. Maybe this is a hallmark of the great ones, because by his account, Torre seems to think he had a perfect season.

I asked him whether he had any regrets or second-guesses of himself, and he couldn't think of one. Not A-Rod batting eighth? Nope. Not Gary Sheffield playing first? Limited options, not his fault. The relief moves? Nope again.

For the record, I gave Cashman the same opportunity, and good for him, he said, "Do I have regrets from decisions of the past that [affected] this club/ Yeah, I do." (I almost heard Carl Pavano's name in the answer.)

Torre was his usual calm and composed self, except he had an off moment when he responded that it was a "bad question" to a veteran writer who asked whether the plan needed to be changed in light of the fact that they'd lost six straight years. A bad question? That is the question. And eventually it inspired a decent retort. "You said it's been six years," Torre said, "When I got here, it was 18."

Cashman was obviously very convincing in his pleas to Steinbrenner to keep Torre, more convincing than the camp that voted for Steinbrenner to go with his gut. And there's no question Torre's done a superior job overall, but a wise man once said that players stop listening to the message of even the best managers and coaches after about five years. Funny, that's exactly how long the Yankees were great under Torre. Five years.

Around the majors

• Daisuke Matsuzaka's Seibu Lions team have said they intended to "post" the star right-hander. That's the process by which he can jump to Major League Baseball, although it can't technically happen until Nov. 1. The Yankees, Mets, Mariners and Dodgers are expected to consider bidding, and it's expected that it may take $20 million or more to buy the player before the contract negotiations even begin.

• The Mets have acquired a new heavy hitter. Well-regarded veteran scout Bob Johnson has jumped to them, just in time to join their four-man advance team at the ALCS.

• I still think Arlington, Texas, native Trey Hillman, the Nippon Ham Fighters manager, may get the Texas Rangers managing job. And if not Texas, he could become a candidate in San Diego if manager Bruce Bochy moves on.

• Willie Randolph did a superb job handling his bullpen in the Division Series. Which is more than we can say for Grady Little, who still likes to see starters in the late innings. This time it was Brad Penny entering unfamiliar territory as a setup man with a back condition.

• Tony La Russa did a smart thing in saving Chris Carpenter for Game 1 of the Division Series rather than having him try to nail down a playoff spot. La Russa didn't panic there. And if his players are accused of playing tight at times, they certainly didn't do that in the Division Series.

• Anyone else notice that Piniella was wearing his Yankees ring on TV last night? Sorry, Lou, it's a little late to advertise.